BOXER Callum Johnson was reduced to tears after winning a light-heavyweight gold medal for Scotland at the Talkatora Stadium in Delhi today.

BOXER Callum Johnson was reduced to tears after winning a light-heavyweight gold medal for Scotland at the Talkatora Stadium in Delhi today.

Johnson, who lives in Lincoln and qualifies to box for Scotland through his grandparents, insisted his victory made all the sacrifices he has made worthwhile.

The 25-year-old has long insisted he is the best 81kg fighter in the country and he believes he has now proved it in the Indian capital.

Johnson delivered a composed performance to see off Belfast bar-tender Thomas McCarthy 8-1 and struggled to rein in his emotions as he said: "I've been saying all week I'm the best in Britain and I've gone and proved it.

"I've always struggled to believe in myself and I had doubts when I went through a bad patch two years ago. I asked myself, 'am I really good enough to do this?' but my family always stood by me.

"I have made all the sacrifices. When my mates are out partying I'm in bed at 10 o'clock because I'm up at seven running. You've got to sacrifice the party life and live the boxing life or you won't get anywhere."

Johnson can now expect a call-up to the fully-funded Great Britain squad based in Sheffield, a full-time switch he is likely to have to take in order to fulfil his dream of filling the light-heavy slot at the London Olympics.

"I have had nothing like they [squad members] get. But it just proves that if you're dedicated and focused and you believe in your dream you can achieve whatever it is you want to achieve."